Tag Archives: mind

The individual is the passenger in the car of the material body, and intelligence is the driver. Mind is the driving instrument, and the senses are the horses. The self is thus the enjoyer or sufferer in the association of the mind and senses. So it is understood by great thinkers.” Intelligence is supposed to direct the mind, but the mind is so strong and obstinate that it often overcomes even one’s own intelligence, as an acute infection may surpass the efficacy of medicine. Such a strong mind is supposed to be controlled by the practice of yoga, but such practice is never practical for a worldly person like Arjuna. And what can we say of modern man? The simile used here is appropriate: one cannot capture the blowing wind. And it is even more difficult to capture the turbulent mind. The easiest way to control the mind, as suggested by Lord Caitanya, is chanting “Hare Krishna,” the great mantra for deliverance, in all humility. The method prescribed is sa vai manah krishna-padaravindayoh: one must engage one’s mind fully in Krishna. Only then will there remain no other engagements to agitate the mind.

The Vedas, like the Mundaka Upanishad, as well as the Svetasvatara Upanishad, compare the soul and the Supersoul to two friendly birds sitting on the same tree. One of the birds (the individual atomic soul) is eating the fruit of the tree, and the other bird (Krishna) is simply watching His friend. Of these two birds — although they are the same in quality — one is captivated by the fruits of the material tree, while the other is simply witnessing the activities of His friend. Krishna is the witnessing bird, and Arjuna is the eating bird. Although they are friends, one is still the master and the other is the servant. Forgetfulness of this relationship by the atomic soul is the cause of one’s changing his position from one tree to another, or from one body to another. The jiva soul is struggling very hard on the tree of the material body, but as soon as he agrees to accept the other bird as the supreme spiritual master — as Arjuna agreed to do by voluntary surrender unto Krishna for instruction — the subordinate bird immediately becomes free from all lamentations.

16.12

The demoniac person, who has no faith in God or the Supersoul within himself, performs all kinds of sinful activities simply for sense gratification. He does not know that there is a witness sitting within his heart. The Supersoul is observing the activities of the individual soul. As it is stated in the Upanishads, there are two birds sitting in one tree; one is acting and enjoying or suffering the fruits of the branches, and the other is witnessing. But one who is demoniac has no knowledge of Vedic scripture, nor has he any faith; therefore he feels free to do anything for sense enjoyment, regardless of the consequences.

Q. I have ocd, so I cannot stop myself from having unwanted bad thoughts. Can God forgive me for this unwanted mental sin? Please suggest what to do?

A. God helps them, those who help themselves. It may happen because of previous conditionings. Try to become more determined by taking shelter of the Supreme Lord. Avoid staying awake in the night and surfing the net. Best is to switch off everything by 9:00 – 9:30 pm Take proper rest. Do not mix with those people, who are also having such difficulties. Read Holy Gita to make your mind more stronger. Remember, intelligence is higher than the mind and soul is higher than the intelligence. If you become more determined, you shall be able to overcome it. Have faith. If you need any help, please send email. I hope this helps you. Hare Krishna

Q. Thanks for the support. I shall be determined to overcome those thoughts. My mother said mental sin is not sin in Kali-yuga. But is this Kali-yuga or we are in Dwapara-yuga because if Kali-yuga is 1200 years long then we had already crossed it. Again Kali-yuga as 432000 long is also proposed. Which one to believe please clarify. Furthermore if I want complete sharanagati to Lord Krishna what are the steps please tell me. I do japa of mahamantra 108 times or more daily, is it ok? or I have to increase the time? Thanking you, Hare Krishna,

A. Yes, in Kali-yuga, mental sin is not considered. However, one should be determined to keep mind busy with higher thoughts. Otherwise, mind may drag back to the previous conditioning. And those thoughts may come back to the gross level. According to Srimad Bhagavatam, Kali-yuga lasts for 4,32,000 years. Of which only 5,000 years have passed. Complete Sharanagati to the Lord comes from the heart. From heart, if you pray to the Lord, He shall certainly help you and protect you in all circumstances. In one sense everything belongs to the Supreme Lord. One needs to remember this all times. If you offer whatever in your possession, to the Supreme Lord, in your heart, you shall achieve complete sharanagati very quickly. Also, one should make special efforts to offer fruits, flower and nice foodstuffs to the Supreme Lord. If you are chanting 108 times, it is good. Please try to chant more attentively. If you wish to chant more, it is all right, but do not reduce your chanting. While chanting, the quality of chanting is important. One should try to chant in complete dependence of the Supreme Lord. I hope this helps you.

Q. Hello, I am having great quarrel with my wife. I do not want to hurt her but she never heeds me. I don’t understand how to treat her….. Will God punish me for that…. I regularly read Bhagavad Gita. I try not say a word but situation goes out of my hand. Please tell me what to do…..

A. Please try to resolve issues with your wife. Quarreling is not good. It shall affect both of you.

Yes, continue reading Bhagavad Gita and if possible, please visit temples. It shall help to pacify the mind.